The Williamsburg School District renewal levy failed at the polls on March 4.

The renewal levy, which would have replaced the existing emergency operating levy that currently generates approximately $651,000 a year for the district (set to expire at the end of next year), was defeated by 101 votes, 812 for, 913 against.

“I am extremely disappointed,” Williamsburg superintendent Jeff Weir said late Tuesday night. “Especially for the dedicated core of community members who worked so tirelessly to educate the community about the imperative need for the operating levy to continue.”

Weir said that the now defunct renewal levy was designed to only be a continuation of what taxpayers already pay annually for district expenses, with only a slight increase, and that he is surprised that the community has turned away from it.